Neymar Still Brazil’s Best? Calls Grow for Star to Return for World Cup 2026

Brazil legend Julio Baptista believes Neymar is key for Selecao’s hopes at the next World Cup

Whether you think Neymar’s best days are behind him or not, there’s no denying he still sparks debate like few others in world football. And according to former Brazil international Julio Baptista, that conversation shouldn’t just be about nostalgia — it should be about inclusion. Speaking candidly this week, Baptista declared that Neymar remains Brazil’s best player and should absolutely be in the squad when the 2026 World Cup rolls around.

It’s a claim that’s as bold as it is believable. After a difficult few years filled with injuries, short stints abroad, and question marks about his future, Neymar is back at his boyhood club Santos — and the expectations haven’t lessened a bit.

“We need him” – Baptista backs Neymar’s World Cup return

In an interview with FootItalia, Baptista was asked a simple question: is Neymar still good enough to play at the World Cup?

The answer was immediate and emphatic.

“Why not? He’s our best player in the national team, so we need to find a place for him,” Baptista responded. “Maybe he’ll play at the next World Cup. I believe that he has the opportunity to try to win something for Brazil. I hope he can do something big for Brazil.”

It’s not just nostalgia talking. Baptista, who knows a thing or two about what it takes to wear the famous yellow shirt, sees in Neymar a unique skillset — one that, even at 33, can tip the balance at the highest level.

A complicated return: From Al-Hilal to Santos

Brazil legend Julio Baptista believes Neymar is key for Selecao’s hopes at the next World Cup

Neymar’s club career has been anything but steady in recent years. His departure from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 was meant to signal a fresh start with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, but it quickly turned into another frustrating chapter plagued by injuries. After managing just five appearances, he found himself sidelined for months due to a serious knee injury.

Fast-forward to January 2025, and Neymar was back in Brazil, completing an emotional return to Santos on a short-term deal. It was a homecoming that brought joy to fans and a spark to a team in transition.

Despite being hampered again — this time by a hamstring problem — Neymar made his presence felt almost immediately. Three goals in seven games reminded everyone what he’s still capable of, and the Santos hierarchy made it clear: they want him to stick around.

Club president Marcelo Teixeira has already expressed a desire to extend Neymar’s contract through to the World Cup in 2026, seeing him as not just a star attraction, but a genuine leader for a new era.

Brazil’s evolving attack — but no clear heir

Neymar

One of the most fascinating dynamics around Neymar’s international future is just how unclear Brazil’s attacking pecking order really is.

In the post-2022 era, there’s been an understandable shift toward younger talents. Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., and Gabriel Martinelli have all taken steps forward, but none have definitively taken the crown. There’s talent in abundance, but consistency? That’s a different story.

That’s part of what makes Baptista’s point so compelling. Brazil might have faster players, or ones in better physical shape, but when it comes to unlocking tight defenses, Neymar still brings something others don’t. The flair, the vision, the fear he strikes into opponents — it’s all still there, when his body allows.

And that’s the big “if” in this entire conversation.

Can Neymar stay fit for the long haul?

Neymar’s injury record in the last five years makes for grim reading. From metatarsal issues to ankle sprains, to a torn ACL in late 2023, and now a recurring hamstring complaint — staying healthy has become his greatest challenge.

Currently out of action again, Neymar is expected to be sidelined until June. His most recent setback is expected to keep him out for four to six weeks. It’s a blow not just for Santos, but for those hoping to see him reintegrated into the Brazil setup sooner rather than later.

Yet despite the physical toll, there’s little doubt about his technical ability. When on the pitch, Neymar remains a difference-maker. And in a tournament like the World Cup — where moments often matter more than matches — that kind of player is invaluable.

What would Neymar’s return to the Selecao actually look like?

The idea of Neymar in a Brazil shirt again might thrill fans, but it also raises practical questions. Would he still start? Would he come off the bench? Would he play as a wide forward, or perhaps more centrally, in a playmaking role?

Interestingly, Santos have been using him in a freer role behind the striker — almost as a traditional No.10 — where he’s able to orchestrate without the burden of defending too much. It’s a setup that might just suit him on the international stage too.

For Brazil manager Dorival Júnior, that’s a tantalising option. Having an experienced, technically elite player who can slot into multiple systems gives Brazil flexibility — something they lacked during their disappointing 2022 campaign.

Santos want more — but does Neymar?

There’s also the question of desire. Does Neymar want to go through it all again? The spotlight, the pressure, the weight of a nation’s expectations?

By all accounts, he does. Friends, coaches and even Neymar himself have hinted that he’s not done with the national team yet. His move back to Santos wasn’t just about sentiment — it was about rhythm, visibility, and preparing himself physically and mentally for one more shot at the ultimate prize.

The road won’t be easy. Brazil has a crowded calendar, and Neymar will need to prove he can handle the load. But if he manages to stay healthy and keep contributing in the Brasileirao, the clamour for his return will only grow louder.

World Cup 2026 — a last dance for Brazil’s number 10?

Neymar has been Brazil’s golden boy for over a decade. He’s carried expectations, scored goals, danced, cried, dazzled, and divided opinion — sometimes all at once. But as we approach 2026, the question isn’t whether he’s still the future — it’s whether he can still shape it.

Julio Baptista thinks so. And honestly? He’s not alone.

With the clock ticking, Neymar’s body may not be what it once was — but his mind, his feet, and his footballing genius could still be what Brazil needs most.

Only time — and perhaps a bit of luck — will tell if we’ll see the No.10 gliding across the World Cup stage one last time. But if that moment does come, it’ll be one the world watches with eager eyes and hopeful hearts.